Interventional radiology procedures in adult patients who underwent liver transplantation

Interventional radiology has acquired a key role in every liver transplantation(LT)program by treating the majority of vascular and non-vascular post-transplant complications,improving graft and patient survival and avoiding,in the majority of cases,surgical revision and/or re-transplantation.The aim of this paper is to review indications,technical consideration,results achievable and potential complications of interventional radiology procedures after deceased donor LT and living related adult LT.

Small-for-size syndrome in adult-to-adult living-related liver transplantation

Small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) in adult-to-adult living-related donor liver transplantation (LRLT) remains the greatest limiting factor for the expansion of segmental liver transplantation from either cadaveric or living donors. Portal hyperperfusion, venous pathology, and the arterial buffer response signif icantly contribute to clinical and histopathological manifestations of SFSS. Here, we review the technical aspects of surgical and radiological procedures developed to treat SFSS in LRLT, along with the pathophysiology of this condition.

Multidisciplinary imaging of liver hydatidosis

Liver hydatidosis is a parasitic endemic disease affecting extensive areas in our planet, a significant stigma within medicine to manage because of its incidence, possible complications, and diagnostic involvements. The diagnosis of liver hydatidosis should be as fast as possible because of the relevant complications that may arise with disease progression, involving multiple organs and neighboring structures causing disruption, migration, contamination. The aim of this essay is to illustrate the role of imaging as ultrasonography （US）, multi detector row computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） in the evaluation of liver hydatidosis： the diagnosis, the assessment of extension, the identification of possible complications and the monitoring the response to therapy. US is the screening method of choice. Computed tomography （CT） is indi-cated in cases in which US is inadequate and has high sensitivity and specificity for calcified hydatid cysts. Magnetic resonance is the best imaging procedure to demonstrate a cystic component and to show a biliary tree involvement. Diagnostic tests such as CT and MRI are mandatory in liver hydatidosis because they allow thorough knowledge regarding lesion size, location, and relations to intrahepatic vascular and biliary structures, providing useful information for effective treatment and decrease in post-operative morbidity. Hydatid disease is classified into four types on the basis of their radiologic appearance.

Efficacy of transcatheter embolization/chemoembolization (TAE/TACE) for the treatment of single hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the efficacy of transcatheter embolization/chemoembolization (TAE/TACE) in cirrhotic patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not suitable for surgical resection and percutaneous ablation therapy. METHODS:A cohort of 176 consecutive cirrhotic patients with single HCC undergoing TAE/TACE was reviewed; 162 patients had at least one image examination (helical CT scan or triphasic contrastenhanced MRI) after treatment and were included into the study. TAE was performed with Lipiodol followed by Gelfoam embolization; TACE was performed with Farmorubicin prepared in sterile drip at a dose of 50 mg/m2,infused over 30 min using a peristaltic pump,and followed by Lipiodol and Gelfoam embolization. RESULTS:Patients characteristics were:mean age,62 years; male/female 117/45; Child-Pugh score 6.2 ± 1.1; MELD 8.7 ± 2.3; mean HCC size,3.6 (range 1.0-12.0) cm. HCC size class was ≤ 2.0 cm,n = 51; 2.1-3.0 cm,n = 35; 3.1-4.0 cm,n = 29; 4.1-5.0 cm,n = 22; 5.1-6.0 cm,n = 11; and > 6.0 cm,n = 14. Patients received a total of 368 TAE/TACE (mean 2.4 ± 1.7). Complete tumor necrosis was obtained in 94 patients (58%),massive (90%-99%) necrosis in 16 patients (10%),partial (50%-89%) necrosis in 18 patients (11%) and poor (< 50%) necrosis in the remaining 34 patients (21%). The rate of complete necrosis according to the HCC size class was:69%,69%,52%,68%,50% and,13% for lesions of ≤ 2.0,2.1-3.0,3.1-4.0,4.1-5.0,5.1-6.0,and > 6.0 cm,respectively. Kaplan-Mayer survival at 24-mo was 88%,68%,59%,59%,45%,and 53% for lesions of ≤ 2.0,2.1-3.0,3.1-4.0,4.1-5.0,5.1-6.0,and > 6.0 cm,respectively. CONCLUSION:Our study showed that in cirrhotic patients with single HCC smaller than 6.0 cm,TAE/TACE produces complete local control of tumor in a significant proportion of patients. TAE/TACE is an effective therapeutic option in patients with single HCC not suitable for surgical resection or percutaneous ablation therapies. Further studies should investigate if the new available embolization agents or drug eluting beads may improve the effect on tumor necrosis.

Imaging in liver transplantation

The aim of this study was to illustrate the role of noninvasive imaging tools such as ultrasonography,multidetector row computed tomography,and magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of pediatric and adult liver recipients and potential liver donors,and in the detection of potential complications arising from liver transplantation.

Cystic echinococcosis of the liver and lung treated by radiofrequency thermal ablation:An ex-vivo pilot experimental study in animal models

AIM： To evaluate radiofrequency thermal ablation （RTA） for treatment of cystic echinococcosis in animal models （explanted organs）. METHODS： Infected livers and lungs from slaughtered animals, 10 bovine and two ovine, were collected. Cysts were photographed, and their volume, cyst content, germinal layer adhesion status, wall calcification and presence of daughter or adjacent cysts were evaluated by ultrasound. Some cysts were treated with RTA at 150 W, 80℃, 7 min. Temperature was monitored inside and outside the cyst. A second needle was placed inside the cyst for pressure stabilization. After treatment, all cysts were sectioned and examined by histology. Cysts were defined as alive if a preserved germinal layer at histology was evident, and as successfully treated if the germinal layer was necrotic. RESULTS： The subjects of the study were 17 cysts （nine hepatic and eight pulmonary）, who were treated with RTA. Pathology showed 100% success rate in both hepatic （919） and lung cysts （8/8）; immediate volume reduction of at least 65%; layer of host tissue necrosis outside the cyst, with average extension of 0.64 cm for liver and 1.57 cm for lung; and endocyst attached to the pericystium both in hepatic and lung cysts with small and focal de novo endocyst detachment in just 3/9 hepatic cysts. CONCLUSION： RTA appears to be very effective in killing hydatid cysts of explanted liver and lung. Bile duct and bronchial wall necrosis, persistence of endocyst attached to pericystium, should help avoid or greatly decrease in v/vo post-treatment fistula occurrence and consequent overlapping complications that are common after surgery or percutaneous aspiration, injection and reaspiration. In vivo studies are required to confirm and validate this new therapeutic approach.

Analysis of surgical and perioperative complications in seventy-five right hepatectomies for living donor liver transplantation

AIM: To present an analysis of the surgical and perioperative complications in a series of seventy- five right hepatectomies for living-donation (RHLD) performed in our center. METHODS: From January 2002 to September 2007, we performed 75 RHLD, defined as removal of a portion of the liver corresponding to Couinaud segments 5-8, in order to obtain a graft for adult to adult living-related liver transplantation (ALRLT). Surgical complications were stratified according to the most recent version of the Clavien classification of postoperative surgical complications. The perioperative period was defined as within 90 d of surgery. RESULTS: No living donor mortality was present in this series, no donor operation was aborted and no donors received any blood transfusion. Twenty- three (30.6%) living donors presented one or more episodes of complication in the perioperative period. Seven patients (9.33%) out of 75 developed biliary complications, which were the most common complications in our series.CONCLUSION: The need to define, categorize and record complications when healthy individuals, such as living donors, undergo a major surgical procedure, such as a right hepatectomy, reflects the need for prompt and detailed reports of complications arising in this particular category of patient. Perioperative complications and post resection liver regeneration are not influenced by anatomic variations or patient demographic.

Percutaneous transarterial embolization of extrahepatic arteroportal fistula

Arteroportal fistula is a rare cause of prehepatic portal hypertension. A 44-year-old male with hepatitis virus C infection was admitted for acute variceal bleeding. Endoscopy showed the presence of large esophageal varices. The ultrasound revealed a mass near the head of pancreas, which was characterized at the color- Doppler by a turbulent flow, and arterialization of portal vein flow. CT scan of abdomen showed a large aneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery communicating into the superior mesenteric vein. The sinusoidal portal pressure measured as hepatic vein pressure gradient was normal, confirming the pre-hepatic origin of portal hypertension. The diagnosis of extrahepatic portal hypertension secondary to arteroportal fistula was established, and the percutaneous embolization was performed. Three months later, the endoscopy showed absence of esophageal varices and ascites. At the moment, the patient is in good clinical condition, without signs of portal hypertension.

Right hepatic lobe living donation: A 12 years single Italian center experience

Mini invasive techniques are taking over conventional open liver resections in the setting of left lateral segmentectomy for living liver donation,and hydride procedure are being implemented for the living related right hepatectomy.Our center routinely performs laparoscopic left lateral segmentectomy for pediatric recipient and has been the first in the Europe performing an entirely robotic right hepatectomy.Great emphasis is posed on living donor safety which is the first priority during the entire operation,then the most majority of our procedures are still conventional open right hepatectomy(RHLD),defined as removal of a portion of liver corresponding to Couinaud segments 5-8,in order to obtain a graft for adult to adult living related liver transplant.During this 10 years period some changes,herein highlighted,have occurred to our surgical techniques.This study reports the largest Italian experience with RHLD,focused on surgical technique evolution over a 10 years period.Donor safety must be the first priority in right-lobe living-related donation:the categorization of complications of living donors,specially,after this"highly sensitive"procedure,reflects the need for prompt and detailed reports.

Early graft dysfunction following adult-to-adult livingrelated liver transplantation:Predictive factors and outcomes

AIM:To describe a condition that we define as early graft dysfunction(EGD)which can be identified preoperatively. METHODS:Small-for-size graft dysfunction following living-related liver transplantation(LRLT)is characterized by EGD when the graft-to-recipient body weight ratio(GRBWR)is below 0.8%.However, patients transplanted with GRBWR above 0.8%can develop dysfunction of the graft.In 73 recipients of LRLT(GRBWR>0.8%),we identified 10 patients who developed EGD.The main measures of outcomes analyzed were overall mortality,number of re-transplants and length of stay in days(LOS).Furthermore we analyzed other clinical pre-transplant variables,intraoperative parameters and post transplant data.RESULTS:A trend in favor of the non-EGD group(3-mo actuarial survival 98%vs 88%,P=0.09;3-mo graft mortality 4.7%vs 20%,P=0.07)was observed as well as shorter LOS(13 d vs 41.5 d;P=0.001)and smaller requirement of peri-operative Units of Plasma (4 vs 14;P=0.036).Univariate analysis of pre- transplant variables identified platelet count,serum bilirubin,INR and Meld-Na score as predictors of EGD. In the multivariate analysis transplant Meld-Na score (P=0.025,OR:1.175)and pretransplant platelet count(P=0.043,OR:0.956)were independently associated with EGD. CONCLUSION:EGD can be identified preoperatively and is associated with increased morbidity after LRLT. A prompt recognition of EGD can trigger a timely treatment.

A case of biliary stones and anastomotic biliary stricture after liver transplant treated with the rendez-vous technique and electrokinetic lithotritor

The paper studies the combined radiologic and endoscopic approach (rendez vous technique) to the treatment of the biliary complications following liver transplant. The "rendez-vous" technique was used with an electrokinetic lithotripter, in the treatment of a biliary anastomotic stricture with multiple biliary stones in a patient who underwent orthotopic liver transplant. In this patient, endoscopic or percutaneous transhepatic management of the biliary complication failed. The combined approach, percutaneous transhepatic and endoscopic treatment (rendez-vous technique) with the use of an electrokinetic lithotritor, was used to solve the biliary stenosis and to remove the stones. Technical success, defined as disappearance of the biliary stenosis and stone removal, was obtained in just one session, which definitively solved the complications. The combined approach of percutaneous transhepatic and endoscopic (rendez-vous technique) treatment, in association with an electrokinetic lithotritor, is a safe and feasible alternative treatment, especially after the failure of endoscopic and/or percutaneous trans-hepatic isolated procedures.

Liver regeneration after liver resection: Clinical aspects and correlation with infective complications

AIM:To investigate whether early liver regeneration after resection in patients with hepatic tumors might be influenced by post-operative infective complications.METHODS:A retrospective analysis of 27 liver resections for tumors performed in a single referral center from November 2004 to January 2010.Regeneration was evaluated by multidetector computed tomographyat a mean follow-up of 43.85 d.The Clavien-Dindo classification was used to evaluate postoperative events in the first 6 mo after transplantation,and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions were used for healthcare associated infections data.Generalized linear regression models with Gaussian family distribution and log link function were used to reveal the principal promoters of early liver regeneration.RESULTS:Ten of the 27 patients(37%)underwent chemotherapy prior to surgery,with a statistically significant prevalence of patients with metastasis(P=0.007).Eight patients(30%)underwent embolization,3 with primary tumors,and 5 with secondary tumors.Twenty patients(74%)experienced complications,with 12(60%)experiencing Clavien-Dindo Grade 3a to 5 complications.Regeneration≥100%occurred in 10(37%)patients.The predictors were smaller future remnant liver volume(-0.002;P<0.001),and a greater spleen volume/future remnant liver volume ratio(0.499;P=0.01).Patients with a resection of≥5 Couinaud segments experienced greater early regeneration(P=0.04).Nine patients experienced surgical site infections,and in 7 cases Clavien-Dindo Grade 3a to 4 complications were detected(P=0.016).There were no significant differences between patients with primary or secondary tumors,and either onset or infections or severity of surgical complications.CONCLUSION:Regardless of the onset of infective complications,future remnant liver and spleen volumes may be reliable predictors of early liver regeneration after hepatic resection on an otherwise healthy liver.

MDCT, MR and interventional radiology in biliary atresia candidates for liver transplantation

The multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scan and magnetic resonance (MR) of the abdomen play a key role in the work-up to liver transplantation (LT) by identifying congenital anomalies or cirrhosis-related modifications, conditions that can require changes in surgical technique. Moreover, the MDCT and MR scans allow identification of cirrhotic liver hepatic masses, extrahepatic porto-systemic shunts, eventual thrombosis of portal system and radiological signs of portal hypertension associated with biliary atresia (BA). The aim of this paper is to review MDCT, MR imaging and interven-tional radiology procedures performed to evaluate morphological changes and degree of portal hypertension in pediatric patients with end-stage liver disease secondary to BA, who are candidates for LT. Advances in the field of MR, MDCT and in percutaneous minimally invasive techniques have increased the importance of radiology in the management of pediatric patients with BA who are candidates for LT.

Predictive factors of tumor response to trans-catheter treatment in cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma:A multivariate analysis of pre-treatment findings

AIM： To elucidate the pre-treatment clinical and imaging findings affecting the tumor response to the transcatheter treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. METHODS： Two hundred cirrhotic patients with HCC received a total of 425 transcatheter treatments. The tumor response was evaluated by helical CT and a massive necrosis （MN） was defined as a necrosis 〉 90%. Twenty-five clinical and imaging variables were analyzed： uninodular/multinodular HCC, unilobar/bilobar, tumor capsula, hypervascular lesion, portal vein thrombosis, portal hypertension, ascites, platelets count, aspartate transaminases/alanine transaminases （AST/ALT）, alfa- fetoprotein （AFP） 〉 100, AFP 〉 400, serum creatinine, virus hepatitis C （VHC） cirrhosis, performance status, age, Okuda stage, ChUd-Pugg stage, sex, CLIP （Cancer of the Liver Italian Program） score, serum bilirubin, constitutional syndrome, serum albumine, prothrombin activity, BCLC （Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer） stage. Prognostic factors of response were subjected to univariate analysis and thereafter, when significant, to the multivariate analyses. RESULTS： On imaging analysis, complete response wasobtained in 60 （30%） patients, necrosis 〉 90% in 38 （19%） patients, necrosis 〉 50% in 44 （22%） patients, and necrosis 〈 50% in 58 （29%） patients. Ninety-eight （49%） of the 200 patients were considered to have a MN. In univariate analysis, significant variables （P 〈 0.01） were： uninodular tumor, unilobar, tumor size 2-6 cm, CLIP score 〈 2, absence of constitutional syndrome, and BCLC stage 〈 2. In a multivariate analysis, the variables reaching statistical significance were： presence of tumor capsule （P 〈 0.0001）, tumor size 2-6 cm （P 〈 0.03）, CLIP score 〈 2 （P 〈 0.006）, and absence of constitutional syndrome （P 〈 0.03）. Kaplan-Mayer cumulative survival at 12 mo was 80% at 24 mo was 56%. MN was associated with a longer survival （P 〈 0.0001）. CONCLUSION： MN after transcatheter treatment is more common in the presence of tumor capsule, maximum diameter of the main lesion between 2 and 6 cm, CLIP score 〈 2 and absence of constitutional syndrome. The ability to predict which patients will respond to transcatheter treatment may be useful in the clinical decision-making process, and in stratifying the randomization of patients in clinical trials.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with accidental diagnosis of persistence of the left superior vena cava

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) is considered a valid therapeutic option for the treatment of portal hypertension and its complications.The guidelines for this procedure have already been established on the basis of the normal vascular anatomy and of various technical radiological aspects.In some few rare cases,diagnosis of a congenital vascular anomaly can be made accidentally by interventional radiologists,making the procedure of the TIPSS placement extremely difficult or in some cases technically impossible.This report describes a rare vascular malformation characterized by the absence of the right superior vena cava and persistence of the left superior vena cava in a patient with a diagnosis of advanced liver cirrhosis who needed a TIPSS placement in order to control refractory ascites.